Previously signed a three-year, $27 million contract extension thru 2003. Signed a one-year extension in September 2003, paying him a base of $700,000 with a potential $300,000 in incentives. Filed for free agency in October of 2004. The Reds declined to offer arbitration to Larkin in December of 2004.

Although he plans to suit up and help out with infield practice and the like on the Nationals road trip next week, Larkin re-iterated that he has no interest in playing again, the team's website reports.

Larkin has decided to retire and join the Washington Nationals in their front office as a special assistant. "I just felt it was time," Larkin told the Associated Press. "I had some opportunities with other teams to play, but I didn't feel that I could make the commitment as a player with another team."

Larkin's last really good season at the plate came in 2000, but he at least wasn't a liability there last year. Durability of course is a major concern, as it would be with any 41 year-old shortstop, but Larkin has a fairly rich medical history that merits extra concern.

2004

On for another season after an acrimonious September, at least Larkin won't kill the Reds' budget this year, after his three-year, $27 million deal (thanks, Carl Linder) expired. Injuries are a usual concern, as are his diminshing skills.

2003

Reds announcer Joe Nuxhall was right – Larkin has lost a step. Probably two steps. When healthy (always a relevant caveat regarding Larkin), he'll still get his share of playing time, largely because of his salary. Unfortunately, Larkin's health isn't the sole problem. His walk rate dropped precipitously in 2002 (just 44 walks in over 550 plate appearances), coupled with an abject lack of power over the last two seasons. Owner Carl Linder's insistence on keeping Larkin happy, while refusing to expand payroll even with a new ballpark opening in 2003, has prevented the front office from improving the team the last few seasons. Larkin's three-year, $27 million contract finally expires after the 2003 season.